The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-01-07

used in running the schools in the
towns of Catawissa, Berwick and
Bloomsbury. He spoke, too, of the
good work done in these schools.
Good, not because they have better
teachers than schools in the rural dis
tricts, but simply because they have
been well graded and systematised,
having rugular course of study laid
down for each years work. Now, ii
80 much better results can be obtained
from systematic work, why can not the
schools in our rural districts be graded,
and course of study arranged for
them for each years pursuance. 1t can
be done, if an interest can be awaken
ed in the directors in these districts,
and they can be persuaded to spend The
time necessary to investigate the mat
ter and consult with each other. AS a
step in this direction, at our meeting
this morning, a resolution was passed,
providing that an organization of all
directors and ex-directors of Columbia
county be formed, for the purpose of
considering the advancement of our
schools. If our country schools can
be systematised it will do away with
much of the haphazzard teaching
which must necessarily be done now.
1t now takes a teacher some time after
the school is opened, to get it in run
ming order, whereas by the proposed
arrangement he could work to good
advantage even the rst day Of school,
If however, anything would be done
in this direction, directors must CO.
operate--must work toG .ther. 1t may
be the new plan would cost few dol
lars more, but even if i, should, it will
more than pay in the end.
Messrs Will Hurbine aud Oscar Ent
of the Bloomsbury High School de
light d the audience with music on the
guitar and violin.
The next speaker of the afternoon
was DR.. Robb who came to take the
place of DR.. Higbee. He heartily en-
dors. the remarks of Mr.. Brown, en-
phasizng them. He then spoke of the
imp .anee of school visitation by the
directors. Not as it used to be prac-
ticed, Superintendent and school board
going in body to visit the school, AZ
pupils and even teacher, Especially a
young teacher) would usually be EN-
barrassed and unable TO do the work
half 50 well a. al other INES, but let
one or two directors drop in nccasiou-
ally, so as to get clear idea of the
work that is being done. He dwelt
upon the necessity of teachers, direct
ors and citizens working together, if
successful teaching would be the out
growth. The true secret of Col. Park
ers success In the Quincy schools lies in
this one thing. He was not interfered
with. When he was employed he was
allo wed to select all his assistants, Civ.
en- the privilege of dlsmissing at any
time, any whom he considered incap.
able of filing their position, was at
liberty to introduce any methods he
thought proper. He spoke at length
on the non-intcrference of directors,
supposing of course. that teachers are
conscientious aud faithful. Also ex.
pressed himself in favor of having
some lady directors on the board.
Next followed chorus by members
of the Bloomsbury Choral Society.
Miss Claudia Guie, of Catawissa,
gave recitation entitled ivan Bibber's
Rock"
| Col r. II. Conwell of Philadelphia
was introduced. His first thought was
to the directors. Use your influence
to persuade the Legislature to increase
the State appropriation. He spoke of
the injustice of taxation as it is now
practised, whereby the rich pay much
lower percentage than the poor, and
urged directors t. look into the matter
Our great men almost invariably come
from the country, and tor this reason
our best teachers should be employed
there. As taxation now stands, this
cannot be done. The rich must by
equal taxation, bear their share Of the
burden. He then paid a touching trib
ute to a teacher who taught him way
of disciplining the memory, that has
ever been of value. The plan is tC
bring before the mind such viviC
pictures of the thought or thing to bt
remembered, that it cannot be forgotten
| Next followed duet by Eflie Hart
man and Eddie Eut. 1t was beauti
FULLY rendered.
WEDNESDAY EVENING
| The first exercise of the evening wa
lecture, by Col. r. II. Conwell o
Philadelphia, subject, "Acres of Dia
monds," Col Conwell is authoritativelS
considered one of the most popula
lecturers IN the United States. and oil
this occasion did not lose anythin,
from his reputation, The lecture wa
not only entertaining but instructive
and cannot be spoken of too highly
At the close of the lecture, a choru
was rendered by members of tn
Choral Society.
: Miss f. B Guie very kindly furnish
ed the au dence a recitation.
The exercises closed with beauti
full chorus by the Choral Society.
THURSDAY MORNING DEC 23.
The Institute opened at the usua
} hour, with singing, followed by tn
{ reading of the XIX Psalm and praye
by Prof. Waller, Prin. of the Bloom:
t burg State Normal School.
Mr.. Grimes whose duties called hir
. elsewhere for short time, apponte
Mr., Fisher to take charge of the II
\ stitute.
, Singing.
Il DIR. Robb occupied the first period G
the morning, presenting the subject Q
; grammar. Grammar is much NOR
F. effectively taught now than it wa
r twenty-five years ago. Then we sper
g all the time in parsing, now most of
: is spent in language Lessons, l hav
not time to do more than give f-'
0 hints on the subject of teaching gran
r mar, Children should understand til
!, definitions and principles of gramm'
e at an early date. Begin by iuducti,
= methods of teaching, and finally mere
t into the deductive. Col. Parker max,
this mistake. He carries the inducti,
8 method too far, or on into the periC
!, which should belong to the deductiv
o The teacher in order to teach grammi
. | ,uall u,ust ha intaraatab in tho a,h, M